Pastoralism in Lombardy: Students and Universities Honored at Palazzo Pirelli

Pastoralism competition: Participation grows in Lombardy

Milano, 4 May 2026 The awards ceremony for the second annual pastoralism competition, promoted under Regional Law No. 14/2022, took place this morning at Palazzo Pirelli, seat of the Lombardy Regional Council.

The initiative, aimed at enhancing pastoralism, mountain pastures and transhumance, has recorded significant growth in terms of participation, involving approximately 200 students, as well as university students, recent graduates and researchers under 30.

The winners were selected by a jury chaired by Jacopo Scandella, supported by councilors Pietro Macconi and Giovanni Malanchini, with the contribution of Andrea Saba and Michela Rocca for the university section.

School Awards: Mountain Regions Take Center Stage

The 2026 edition highlighted a strong local presence, with numerous awards given to institutions in the mountainous areas of the provinces of Bergamo, Brescia, Sondrio, Lecco, and Varese, as well as high-quality contributions from the plains and Lomellina.

Primary schools

• 1nd place (4.000 euros)
  IC Grosio Grosotto – Sondalo (SO)
  Title: "In the footsteps of the shepherds: between history, memory, and the future"
  A work appreciated for the richness of content and the ability to narrate pastoralism between past and present through direct experiences.

Lower secondary schools

• 1nd place (4.000 euros)
  IC “San Giovanni Bosco” of Cremeno (LC)
  Title: “Walking Valsassina”
  A video that conveys with emotional intensity the historical and economic value of pastoralism in the area.

Secondary schools

• 1nd place (4.000 euros)
  ITEP “Galileo Galilei” of Laveno Mombello (VA)
  Title: “Pastoralism and Transhumance Project”
  A project capable of enhancing the testimonies of local shepherds with effective audiovisual language.
• 2nd place (2.500 euros)
  ISISS “Maironi da Ponte” of Presezzo (BG)
  Title: “Migration of sheep”
  High-level research that interweaves historical sources, images, and testimonies.
• 3nd place (1.500 euros)
  ISS Maserati of Voghera (PV)
  Title: “The Hidden Life”
  An authentic and engaging account of the world of transhumance.

Special mention

Recognition to class 3C of ENAC Lombardia – CFP “Canossa” of Bagnolo Mella (BS), which created the podcast “Pastoralism, Alpine Pastures, and Transhumance”, standing out for its originality in connecting pastoral traditions and gastronomic culture.

University: Awards for scientific research in the agricultural and livestock sector

Two prizes were awarded in the university section, confirming the academic interest in the sector.

• 1nd place (3.000 euros)
  Gemma Borghi – University of Milano
  Thesis: Relationship between high-altitude pasture characteristics and qualitative and quantitative bovine milk production
  A rigorous study that integrates agronomic, environmental, and zootechnical aspects.
• 2nd place (2.000 euros)
  Marta Bisaschi – Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
  Thesis: Quantification and Phylogenetic Classification of Aerobic Spore Formers Bacteria in Farms that practice Alpine Transhumance
  Field research investigating microbial biodiversity in alpine ecosystems.

Promoting pastoralism between tradition and future

The competition confirms itself as an effective tool for promote the culture of pastoralism among the new generations, combining tradition, sustainability and innovation.

The growing attention shows how these practices, often considered marginal, actually represent a strategic economic, cultural and environmental heritage for the Lombardy region.

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